Local train service lets passengers down again

2.09.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 30th Aug 2008

(Sent to Editor Blackpool Gazette)

I was saddened to read that the 7:35 train from Preston to St Annes had broken down three times in a week, stranding the passengers on each occasion (Kirkham and Fylde Express, July 24th). I am appalled that such poor service is being offered by Northern Rail, with consequent disruption to passengers going about their daily business.

I recently took a train trip in Switzerland that involved five separate trains in each direction. All connections were made to the minute. On the last leg the train slowed and there was an immediate announcement told us that we would be 10 minutes late. The conductor, who seemed distinctly embarrassed that such a thing should ever happen on Swiss railways, then came round to apologize to each passenger in person. Could we learn something from Swiss railways? They even carry full size lorries to inaccessible areas (See photograph below) - could we also learn from that?

Our transport system in the UK is a disintegrated shambles with bus stations often at a great distance from railway stations, as in Preston. How can we ever expect the public to use public transport more, when we have not built adequate infrastructure for decades and take no pride in our system?

Professor Bill Winlow,

Parliamentary Spokesman, Fylde Liberal Democrats